February 17, 2004

Name:

Ringo

Age:

One and a half years old

Gender:

Male

Kind:

Peruvian Guinea Pig

Home:

Westmont, Illinois, USA

Hi!
My name is Ringo, because Mommy and Daddy claim my hair makes me
look like one of the Beatles. They're silly. I am their very first
cavy, and they rescued me from a horrible pet store that made me live in
a ten gallon tank for over a year. I got marked down to 50% off because
no one wanted me, until my new parents came along. They tell me it was
love at first sight. I am grateful, either way.

The pet store also never gave me vegetables to eat, so I had no idea how
to eat them. Mommy was concerned about this, so she started putting
vegetables in the food processor and making me homemade baby food in
order to introduce me to solid, healthy foods. I was wary at first, and
would only examine the food when everyone was asleep.

Because of my long isolation in such a small cage, I guess you could say
I am a bit crazy. It has taken me a very long time to get used to
people, and when there is a sudden motion anywhere in the room, I still
panic and dash for the nearest hiding place. Luckily, Mommy and Daddy
bought me a younger friend named Hawthorne to help bring me out of my
shell. He has taught me many things, including how to eat vegetables
whole (no more need for baby food!) Did you know how yummy carrots and
parsley are? I am very happy with my new home and my huge cage full of
toys. I am slowly becoming more of a people-piggie and maybe in another
year or two I will be "normal" once again. Thanks for rescuing me, Mom and Dad.